Other LanguagesToday, State Auditor Troy Kelley was indicted by a federal grand jury on numerous criminal charges.
In his public statement released in the wake of his indictment, Auditor Kelley spoke of the distraction his continued service will cause his agency. I agree.
I am cognizant that the charges contained in an indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This, however, is a matter of public confidence in the institutions and leaders of state government.
The many dedicated career public servants who staff the State Auditor’s Office should be able to perform their important work free of the cloud of uncertainty and distraction the Auditor’s situation now creates.
The sooner that cloud is lifted, the better. That’s why I am calling upon Troy Kelley to resign as auditor immediately.
The Attorney General is the lawyer for the people and the government of Washington state. The Attorney General’s Office, generally, provides advice, counsel and representation to the State Auditor’s Office. The AGO represents the Auditor’s Office and the State Auditor acting in his or her official capacity. The AGO does not represent any individual officeholder or employee acting in his or her personal capacity. Consequently, the AGO does not, and will not, represent Troy Kelley on issues pertaining to the federal indictment.
– 30 –
The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the State of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
CONTACT:
Communications Director Peter Lavallee, (360) 586-0725, PeterL@atg.wa.gov